Why does “compact” always seem to be a euphemism for
“barebones” or “cheap”? It’s a challenge
these days to find a small sedan that brings big-car luxury features while
still keeping with the price points offered in the compact segment. Kia
aims to change that with the Forte. All-new for 2014, the Forte is wider,
longer, and lower than the outgoing model and boasts a fairly amazing list
of available features.

The Forte has been refreshed in Kia’s new corporate image; a
slightly squished version of the now-familiar tiger nose grille makes an
appearance up front. Kia uses words like “complex curves,”
“European design-inspired,” and “dramatically
swept” to describe it – we say it’s design reflects the
evidence of Peter Schreyer’s touch and vision. It just looks wide,
low, and aggressive. High-end features stand out, such as LED running
lights and HID headlights in the front, and LED taillights in the back
– features not typically seen in this segment.

The 2014 Forte is available in two trims. Even the base LX trim
comes equipped with air-conditioning, full power accessories, a
tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a
60/40 split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system
with a CD player, satellite radio and USB/iPod/auxiliary input jacks
– all this for the entry price of just $15,900. An option package
will add 16-inch alloy wheels, mirror-mounted turn signals, keyless entry,
nicer interior trim, two additional audio speakers, cruise control, a
sliding console armrest, a fold-down rear center armrest and dual lighted
vanity mirrors.

If you opt for the uplevel EX trim and you’ll get all of the
above, plus an upgraded engine, adjustable steering effort, foglights, LED
running lights, chrome accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Kia's Uvo
voice-activated infotainment system, and a rearview camera. Option packages
for the EX will add 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, smart-key entry and
ignition, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated
steering wheel, a ventilated eight-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming
rearview mirror, xenon headlights, LED taillights, dual-zone
air-conditioning with rear seat vents, a navigation system, and more.

Our tester came equipped in the EX trim with all of the above
options. Towards the end of the list there, did you feel a little
overwhelmed with all the toys? Xenon headlights. LED taillights. Heated
seats. Heated steering wheel. Navigation. Are we still describing an
imported compact sedan?

Yes. And this, at an as-tested MSRP of just $25,515.

As you sit in the cabin, it’s hard not to marvel at the value.
Sure, some of the interior materials aren’t as nice as you might find
on an up-level midsize or fullsize premium sedan – there’s
plenty of hard plastic to be seen. But build quality feels every bit the
peer of top-end cars like the Kia Cadenza (
Dan’s Cadenza Review). No shortcuts have been taken. The cabin is
quiet, comfortable, and engaging. Little touches – like the use of
the same font on physical buttons as on dashboard displays and the
navigation system’s screen – really drive home the point that
Kia’s put a great deal of investment and thought in their interior
designs.

Particularly nice touches we noticed include a compartment beneath
the radio and forward of the shifter with a closeable cover – large
enough to tuck a smartphone away, with power, audio, and USB jacks, solving
the where-do-I-put-my-phone conundrum drivers face in many cars. Here,
it’s tucked away so as to be out of sight and not create a
distraction for the driver. We also like what Kia calls the
“supervision meter cluster” that comes with the EX Technology
Package – an upgraded instrument cluster sporting a color LCD between
speedo and tach to display trip computer, navigation instructions, or
entertainment info. It looks great and it’s very easy to read. We
only had one gripe about the interior and it’s a minor one, one
we’ve seen in other Kia’s as well: The driver’s seat is
heated and ventilated, but the front passenger’s seat is merely
heated. Clearly a cost-saving measure, it comes off looking as such, and we
wish Kia would add this feature for the front passenger as well.

The Forte comes with two engine choices – the base LX model
sports a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet
of torque. Our EX came with a 2-liter direct-injected four-cylinder which
increases output to 173 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque. Power
delivery via the six-speed shiftable automatic is smooth and uneventful,
although we’d call overall response and performance merely adequate
– driving the Forte is not a push-you-back-in-your-seat experience,
but power is sufficient to ensure a high-speed highway merge is a routine
affair. An “Eco” mode is available which dulls throttle
response, although no corresponding “Sport” mode is made
available, which would be a nice addition. Note that the forthcoming Kia
Forte Koup (coupe) will sport an available 1.6-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder, bringing output closer to 200 for both horsepower and
torque; we look forward to seeing it and to driving it.

Driving the Forte is a pleasant experience. It’s not a sports
car by any stretch of the imagination given those output numbers, but
it’s a comfortable cruiser for long trips. The suspension is fairly
stiff and bumps are evident, but it holds corners well without a hint of
wanting to slide. We averaged an excellent 33 MPG for combined fuel economy
during our time with the Forte – handily exceeding the
manufacturer’s estimate of 28, an impressive return.

We believe that the 2014 Kia Forte represents another home run from
Kia and we highly recommend it. Although a bit lacking in the performance
department, this compact sedan is fun to drive and loaded with features and
luxury – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a collection of this
many high-end features for this price.